WeThinkCode_, a leading software development academy, is on a mission to help 300+ students gain access to internship programmes across South Africa. The 4-month internship programme aims to place hundreds of young, work-ready students into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), financial services, telecommunication and retail sectors.
“Our internship programme is a crucial step in our curriculum that acts as an entryway into the job market for young professionals. The internship itself allows us to tangibly work towards closing the software development skills gap in the country and fostering economic growth through digital transformation and local skills development,” says Sethu Komani, Chief Commercial Officer at WeThinkCode_.
Google’s recent Digital Opportunity of Africa report highlights the urgent need to address the growing digital skills gap in South Africa. According to the World Bank, by 2030, Sub-Saharan Africa will require 230 million digital jobs, most of which will demand intermediate to advanced digital skills, that need to be built up now. Despite this demand, South Africa faces a significant shortage of skilled ICT professionals. The digital skills gap has been described as a “skills canyon,” with many graduates lacking the critical skills needed in the workplace.
Internships play a vital role in bridging this gap. Research shows that internships not only enhance employability but also provide valuable workplace experience, making students more attractive to potential employers. WeThinkCode_’s internship programme is designed to equip students with practical skills and hands-on experience in software development, database design, and cloud technology, among other areas.
“We are committed to empowering the next generation of tech professionals and addressing the critical skills shortage in South Africa,” said Komani. “Our internship programme offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and develop the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving tech industry.”
WeThinkCode_ calls on companies leading digital transformation in their sectors to hire software developer interns to support their digital transformation goals.